Pittsburgh Penguins' Phil Kessel, gets a shot past Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Malcolm Subban during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Pittsburgh. It was Kessel's second goal of the period and third of the game. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Pittsburgh Penguins' Phil Kessel, left, snaps a shot as Vegas Golden Knights' Colin Miller (6) defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Kessel scored on the play, his second of the period and third of the game. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

PITTSBURGH — Malcolm Subban had made only four saves in the second period when 6-foot, 202-pound Phil Kessel came barreling alone down the ice.

After dealing with limited action, the Golden Knights’ backup goaltender suddenly was one-on-one with the Pittsburgh Penguins’ top shooter and needed to make a save to keep the game tied midway through the period.

He couldn’t do it.

The breakaway — one of two for Kessel on Thursday night — illustrated the many difficult spots Subban found himself during his first start of the season. He still accepted blame for his team’s 4-2 loss in a game where a backup goalie in the opposing net shined.

“It’s tough,” Subban said. “You don’t see shots and then you get a good chance, but you got to try to make a save and keep your team in the game. I didn’t do that tonight.”

Subban, who was 13-4-2 for the Knights a season ago, made 18 saves against the Penguins. He started because Marc-Andre Fleury played Wednesday against the Washington Capitals and the Knights typically sit their veteran when they play back-to-back games.

The Pittsburgh crowd didn’t like seeing Subban in net instead of the ex-Penguin Fleury, and let Subban hear it. The goaltender was serenaded with “Fleu-ry” chants at the end of the second period and cries of “We want Fleury!” at the beginning of the third.

By then Subban had already let in four goals, three to Kessel and another to forward Jake Guentzel. Kessel’s first goal came on a shot that weaved through heavy traffic right after a faceoff in the first period and Subban admitted he had trouble tracking the puck.

“It came through bodies,” Subban said. “I picked it up at the last second. Maybe if I looked to the short side, maybe I stop it. I was looking to the far side.”

Subban then let in three goals on three shots in the second period: two on Kessel’s breakaways and one on a try by Guentzel from the top of the left faceoff circle that went in off the left post.

“(Subban) was good,” Gallant said. “You’d like to have those saves but Phil Kessel’s a pretty good shooter.”

Subban’s counterpart faced few struggles by comparison. Casey DeSmith made his first start of the season for the Penguins and made 35 saves in relief of injured starter Matt Murray (concussion).

DeSmith stopped a 2-on-0 chance for the Knights when Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Ryan Reaves skated in alone late in the second period and made an impressive follow-up save on forward William Carrier. He also made two key saves on center William Karlsson during a third period Knights power play to keep it a two-goal game.

“I thought he was the best player on the ice,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “He made some great saves for us, especially in that third period.”

The key saves DeSmith made, and the ones Subban didn’t, were the difference in a game in which the Knights outshot the Penguins 37-22.

“They put a lot of pucks on net, which was good for me as a goalie to see some pucks early, get into the game and get a little more comfortable there because you know, obviously first action of the season, there’s a couple nerves,” DeSmith said.

Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant talks to media about the Knights 5-1 loss to the Kings.

Golden Knights on their 4-3 victory over the Blackhawks

Players from the Vegas Golden Knights reflect on their third period surge and what else led them to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Deryk Engelland at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas was a new experience for Golden Knights defenseman Deryk Engelland on Wednesday night. He said he was looking forward to spending time with family and going for a skate, as well as lighting the Christmas tree for fans.

Golden Edge: Ryan Reaves will face no further penalty for hit

The Golden Knights' Ryan Reaves will not be suspended following a hit on the Washington Capitals' Tom Wilson on Tuesday night. David Schoen and Adam Hill report from team practice at City National Arena.

Vegas Golden Knights Christmas Display

In the Las Vegas Valley, the chances of getting a white Christmas are slim. But this year, you can have a “Knight” Christmas. A Henderson resident has a Christmas lights display that is synchronized to the entrance music for the Golden Knights. GG Misa’s Knights light show is played every 30 minutes from 5 to 10 nightly. His light show consists of two songs: Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and the entrance music, “Le Castle Vania,” from the movie “John Wick.” The display is located at 730 Bollons Island St. (Richard Brian/Las Vegas Reivew-Journal)

Golden Knights Avenge Final Loss, Top Caps 5-3 - Golden Edge

The Golden Knights rally to defeat the Washington Capitals in a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup Final. David Schoen and Adam Hill discuss the win and Ryan Reaves big hit on Tom Wilson.

Golden Knights, Schmidt on their emotional win over the Capitals

The Vegas Golden Knights talk about their emotional victory and playing physical against their 2018 Stanley Cup opponent, the Washington Capitals.

Golden Knights head coach happy with team's effort in win over Capitals

Vegas Golden Knights' head coach Gerard Gallant says he was happy with the team's effort in their 5-3 win against the Washington Capitals, the 2018 Stanley Cup winners.

Golden Knights License Plate Sales

Twenty-Five year Las Vegas resident, Bernard Turner, loves the Golden Knights and couldn’t wait to get the team-inspired specialty license plate on his new vehicle. Over 11,000 of the plates have been ordered since becoming available in October, according to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.

Golden Edge: Golden Knights Fall to Oilers 2-1

The Golden Knights come up short in Edmonton against the Oilers. David Schoen discusses the game.

Alex Tuch on Golden Knights' 2nd line

Alex Tuch talks about the chemistry between players on the Golden Knights' second line. (David Schone/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Golden Knights Win Five Games Straight, Beat Canucks 4-3

Golden Knights win five games straight after beating the Vancouver Canucks 4-3. Golden Knights beat reporter David Schoen goes over the Knights win.

William Karlsson scored the fastest goal in franchise history, and the Knights finally looked like the team that advanced to last year’s Stanley Cup Final with a 6-0 shellacking of first-place San Jose. Adam Hill and Dave Schoen report from T-Mobile Arena.

William Carrier Talks About the Knight's Win

Golden Knight's forward William Carrier scored his fourth goal of the season to help the team beat San Jose 6-0.

Marc-Andre Fleury Speaks After Shutout

Golden Knight's goalie Marc-Andre Fleury puts up his second shutout in back to back games. The Knights defeated the Sharks 6-0.

Golden Edge: Golden Knights Shut out Calgary

Golden Knights shutout the Calgary Flames 2-0 after coming home from their three game road trip. Adam Hill and David Schoen recap the Knights victory over the Flames at T-Mobile Arena.

Gerard Gallant says team's play is improving after win over Flames

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant discusses the team's play and credits Marc-Andre Fleury's performance in their 2-0 shutout win against the Calgary Flames.

Former Golden Knights forward James Neal talks to media about playing his former team in Las Vegas.

Golden Edge: Pacioretty and Knights Come Away with Two

Max Pacioretty scored his second goal of the night in overtime to defeat the Arizona Coyotes as the team takes two points. They got 3 of 4 points overall on this road trip putting them at 21 for the season. Adam Hill reports from Arizona.

Coach Gallant Talks with Media After Win

The Golden Knights defeated the Arizona Coyotes in overtime with a Max Pacioretty game-winner. Coach Gerard Gallant speaks on the teams performance.

Max Pacioretty Talks After Scoring Game Winner

Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty scores in overtime to defeat the Coyotes.

Coach Gerard Gallant on former Knights player David Perron (Dave Schoen/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Marchessault on Perron

VGS themed games from AGS at G2E Global Gaming Expo

A Golden Knights-themed slot machine was on display Tuesday at the G2E Global Gaming Expo as AGS showed two products that came out of a 3-year contract with the Knights. A video roulette game featuring a Knights helmet and an enormous slot machine were on the floor along with Knights cheerleaders, the Drumbots and Chance, the Knights' mascot. (Mat Luschek/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Golden Knights talk after practice

Marc-Andre Fleury, Max Pacioretty and Cody Eakin in the locker room on Wed. October 3, 2018.

Vegas Golden Knights show support at blood drive

Members of the Vegas Golden Knights NHL team showed up for a community blood drive on the first anniversary of the Las Vegas shooting, Oct. 1, 2018. (Mat Luschek/Las Vegas Review-Journal)